Jack W. Buechner

Hon. Jack W. Buechner, Former Member of Congress.

"As Presidential Classroom (PC) President & CEO, Buechner is responsible for maintaining PC's high profile in the political and civic education community, while securing strategic partnerships to bolster various PC programs. Utilizing his more than 30 years of public service experience, Buechner develops and implements targeted outreach strategies to continue PC's mission of preparing the best and brightest high school students to be knowledgeable, committed civic leaders. He also focuses the organization's attention on fundraising for the PC Scholarship Fund to make the PC experience available to qualified, economically disadvantaged students who need assistance.

"Previously, Buechner was a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, L.L.P. and represented a wide variety of domestic and international clients before Congress, executive departments, independent agencies and quasi-governmental entities. Working in the government, international trade and policy unit, he developed and implemented strategies in all aspects of the legislative process including the budget, authorizations and appropriations. Buechner's international work included the analysis of the political, governmental and economic climates in emerging democracies. In addition, he has been an advisor to several ambassadors and corporate executives.

"A former U.S. Representative from Kirkwood, Mo., Buechner served Missouri's 2nd District (St. Louis/St. Charles Counties) from 1987 - 1991. During his terms, he was Vice-Chairman of the Republican Study Committee and Deputy Whip to former Speaker Newt Gingrich. Buechner also served on the Budget Committee and the Committee on Science, Space and Technology. From 1972 - 1982 Buechner was a state representative and Minority Leader in the Missouri House of Representatives and has served as a Missouri tourism commissioner. Prior to that, he founded his own law firm in St. Louis and practiced law for 18 years before being elected to Congress.

"Civic education and academia are not new to Buechner. Following his congressional tenure, he served as president of the International Republican Institute (IRI), a democracy-building, non-governmental organization that provides training in civic education worldwide. Under his leadership, IRI opened offices in six countries and developed programs on democracy and free market economies in 28 countries including Haiti, El Salvador, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania and Nicaragua.

"Buechner was also a visiting professor of political thought at Webster University in Vienna, Austria. Earlier, he was an adjunct professor of political science at St. Louis University and Stephen's College in Columbia, Md.

"In addition to his leadership role at PC, Buechner is the current Vice President of the Former Members of Congress Association and sits on the boards of the Center for National Policy, Washington Strategic Advisors, the Council for a Community of Democracies, The Zorig Foundation, and Presidential Classroom. He has served as president of the Missouri Society of Washington, D.C. and the Pericles Institute, an organization dedicated to rebuilding the high ground in American political culture. He was also a principal in the Virginia public affairs firm, The Hawthorn Group, a vice president of the National Association of State Societies and member of the Advisory Board of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Buechner continues to serve in an advisory capacity with select Embassies and international organizations.

"A much sought after speaker, Buechner has lectured extensively overseas on democracy and free-market economies for the United States Information Agency and has represented the United States throughout the world at conferences on post Cold War developments, including, most recently, The World Conference of Parliamentarians in Support of The United Nations. He is the recipient of many awards for community service and his achievements as a public servant. One of Buechner's more notable speaking engagements was his appearance on The David Letterman Show as its first congressional guest.

"Buechner is admitted to practice before the United States, Missouri and District of Columbia Courts of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court. He is also admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, the State of Missouri, and in the Federal Tax Court.

"Born in St. Louis, Buechner received an A.B. from St. Benedict's College in Atchison, Kan. and a J.D. from St. Louis University. He holds an honorary degree in Business from Sanford-Brown College in St. Louis, MO. He is a member of the vestry at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean, Va. The Buechner family - which includes his wife Nancy Chanitz and their son Charlie - reside in McLean."

• Director, Alliance for Responsible Cuba Policy Foundation

• Director, Center for National Policy